November 2009

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Nature is such a beautiful thing, but it becomes even more exceptional when you see the smiles it brings to people's faces. This is something staff at Australia Zoo are lucky enough to experience on a daily basis. A particular moment that will always remain prominent in our memory was the day Freddo visited the Wonder Factory at the Royal Children's Hospital.

Freddo is one of our gorgeous Major Mitchell Cockatoos named after the explorer Major Sir Thomas Mitchell. They have a soft- textured white and salmon pink plumage with a bright red and yellow crest and are generally recognised as one of the most beautiful cockatoos. It is not just their appearance that captures your attention it is their charming personalities that captivate your heart. This was certainly the case when Australia Zoo was invited to visit to the Children's Hospital.

Everything was packed and ready for the journey. Almost like he knew, Freddo moved quickly into his travelpak and started whistling a very happy tune. He sung the whole way to the hospital and we soon realised his musical favourites.

Cockatoos have the ability to mimic speech, respond to musical sounds and can synchronise their body moves to a musical beat. Freddo courts the ladies at the Zoo with an extensive repertoire of movements, but his signature sprinkler move certainly wins us all over. So, he had warmed up and was ready to perform to the children at the hospital.

Perform, he did. The children's eyes lit up as they caught the vision of this striking pink bird and they were engaged as he performed his many tricks.

Nothing was spared, Freddo showed how he could shake, the beauty of his wings and even progressed to show his signature move. All the while, he whistled to the children creating a harmonious atmosphere.

The smiles warmed our heart and everyone, including Freddo knew that this was a very special journey.